Marginal Babble

Europe’s climate goals may require far more investment than current estimates suggest. Economist Joko Kapeller joins Max to unpack the EU’s climate investment gap, the limits of relying on carbon pricing, and why private finance may not deliver the long-term investment the transition demands. They explore whether wealth taxes could help fund climate action, how different tax designs might work, an...

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 did something rare in housing policy, it actually worked…   Tenants saved hundreds of pounds, letting agents absorbed the shock and the market did not collapse. If you care about renting, regulation, or why some policies deliver exactly what they promise, this conversation is for you.   Max and Nikhil break down the economics behind tenant fees, why the old system was a te...

In this episode, we dive into the world of labour economics, specifically, into how minimum wage policy affects business investment and productivity. Professor Matthew Gustafson and I unpack the real-world effects of minimum wage policy, from employment and capital expenditure to productivity, automation, and long-term economic growth.   Professor Matthew Gustafson: https://directory.smeal.psu.edu...

The global sex work industry generates an estimated $69 billion annually ( worldmetrics.org , 2026) and provides income for millions of sex workers globally. In the UK alone, there are approximately 72,800 sex workers according to the English Collective of Prostitutes.   In this episode of the Marginal Babble podcast, we explore the economics of sex work, from global industry scale to how research...

Americans are paying more for healthcare than almost any other nation…   Yet the system remains flawed, shaped by a century of strategic battles, PR campaigns, and powerful interest groups. In this episode of Marginal Babble, we examine the roots of today’s high costs, uneven access, and entrenched privatization going back nearly a hundred years. Professor Alsan unpacks how the private healthcare...

This episode explores how six medieval kings helped shape the English state. From John and the Magna Carta to Edward III’s reforms and Richard II’s downfall. Professor Caroline Burt & Professor Richard Partington explain how war, taxation, common law, Parliament, and the struggle for lawful rule turned kingship from a personal power into something more accountable and institutional. We unpack...

Uncover the surprising truths behind cousin marriage and its global prevalence. Shocking data shows consanguinity occurs in approximately 10% of marriages worldwide, with some countries like Pakistan occurring in at least half of all marriages. But what are the real health and societal impacts? In this eye-opening episode, economist Munir shares groundbreaking research using 40 million genealogica...

Small economies often defy expectations, thriving despite limited resources and geographic challenges. This episode explores their surprising resilience and unique strategies, revealing lessons that could transform larger nations' approaches to growth. Discover how globalization, digital trade, and strategic specialization propel these nations to success, and learn about their governance agility a...

Most countries focus on the political virtues of representation, but what if quotas actually change the quality of governance? I sit down with Professor Patrick Francois to uncover how strategic use of political quotas, especially in India, can break the grip of identity-driven politics and elevate governance standards. As ever, please like and subscribe if you enjoy! 😊   Professor Patrick Franco...

#environmentalecnomics #carbontaxes #environment #climatechange Max sits down with Professor Nicholas Hanley to learn about the field of environmental economics, its goals and the challenges of measuring environmental impacts from economic activities. They discover how effective policy is designed for promoting positive environmental actions while managing negative externalities, in addition to th...

#opioidepidemic #pharmaceuticalindustry #addiction #publichealth #USpolitics #PurduePharma #fentanyl #drugpolicy #healthcarecorruption #politicalinfluence   Max and Professor Carolina Arteaga Cabrales explore the origins, impact, and political consequences of the opioid epidemic in North America, related pharmaceutical industry practices, regulatory failures and societal effects.   Professor Carol...

In this episode, Max and Professor Tirthankar Roy discuss India's economic history, focusing on trade and commerce from  antiquity right up to the modern day. It is a journey through regional economies, the role of ports, the impact of the caste system, British colonization and post-independence industrialization.   India in the World Economy: From Antiquity to the Present Cambridge University Pre...

In this episode, Professor Thiemo Fetzer dissects how austerity policies since 2008 have reshaped society, fueled distrust in public institutions and sparked political upheaval (ultimately resulting in its influence over the EU referendum). He reveals surprising insights regarding how structural transformations, immigration incentives, and age demographics influence national identity and support f...

In this episode, we dive into the Sujaan Initiative, a community-focused program that trains and supports female and minority entrepreneurs in Mirpur Khās, Pakistan. The discussion covers how working with local male leaders fosters local buy-in, the gender and regional disparities the project tackles and the financing and governance hurdles to scaling the model across more regions.   Professor Ahm...

Discover how war reshapes economies beyond the battlefield. Economist Clifford Thies reveals the hidden costs of conflict, from GDP distortions to social capital destruction. Learn why some nations recover faster and how institutional strength and financial strategies play a crucial role. Essential insights for anyone interested in the true economic impact of war.   Professor Clifford Thies https:...

  Explore the intricate evolution of Russia's economy, from Tsarist infrastructure to Soviet command systems to Russia’s modern-day challenges. Economist Richard Ericson delves into the sustainability of Russia's resource-driven growth, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the looming risks of its current economic model. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the forces shaping one of the wor...

In this episode, we explore the impact of trade openness on India's economy with economist Pavel Chakraborty. Discover how Chinese imports have lowered prices but challenged Indian firms' profits. Learn about the effects of tariffs, the role of India's manufacturing sector, and the strategic implications for future growth. Perfect for those interested in trade policy and economic development   Pro...

In this episode, I sit down with general education economist, Professor Panu Pelkonen, to explore the evolution of Peru's education system, focusing on the challenges and reforms from 2010 to 2016. The discussion highlights urban-rural disparities, the impact of increased public spending, and the shift in educational outcomes. Key topics include the role of political stability, privatization in ed...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of the ancient Roman economy with expert insights from Kimberly Bowes. Discover how ordinary Romans navigated a world of intricate financial systems, from the use of financial instruments to the role of slave labor. We explore the surprising similarities and stark differences between ancient and modern economies, shedding light on the economic lives...

Kent Matthews delves into the evolution of banking, exploring whether traditional banks are becoming obsolete in the face of technological advancements and fintech innovations. From the historical roots of banking to the impact of the 2008 financial crisis, Kent discusses the challenges and transformations within the industry. He also examines the role of regulation, interest rates, and the rise o...

Economist Chirantan Chatterjee delves into the complexities of India's healthcare system, highlighting the duality and inequality that persist across regions. With a focus on health equity, Chatterjee discusses the challenges faced by the elderly in accessing insurance and the impact of out-of-pocket expenses on poverty. The conversation also explores the role of entrepreneurship and government pr...

In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of mafia networks with Dr Pasquale Accardo. Discover how these organizations operate within and outside the law, their historical roots, and their complex relationships with formal institutions. Pasquale shares personal insights from growing up in Naples, the heartland of the Camorra, and discusses his research on the socio-economic impacts of org...

In this episode, Daniel Broby explores the dynamic landscape of financial technology at the Singapore Fintech Festival. Key topics include the rise of stablecoins, the impact of blockchain on traditional banking, and the future of social media payments. Daniel also discusses the regulatory challenges and opportunities in fintech, highlighting innovations that are set to revolutionize the industry....

In this conversation, Max and Professor John Duca explore the complexities of housing price cycles, the influence of government policy, and the impact of remote work on housing demand. They discuss the challenges of housing supply and infrastructure, the dynamics of the rental market, and the balance between regulation and deregulation in housing. The conversation also touches on the future of hou...

Max sits down with Professor Philipp Genschel & Professor Laura Seelkopf to discuss their research and book surrounding the global rise and diffusion of modern taxation from 1750 to 2018. It draws on a unique dataset (the 'Tax Introduction Dataset') which tracks the first adoption of six key taxes across 220 countries:• Personal income tax• Corporate income tax• Inheritance tax• Social securit...